2011 Class Description

Our schedule is now complete!

Please note that this website has the most up-to-date information about classes. 

Classes are divided into 3 skill levels. Each class description below, will have the letter "B", "I" or "A" in the title, to help you decide if a class is right for you:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Classes are also organized by type:

Projects   P

Stitch Patterns S

Techniques T

Design D

Class times

AM - 8:30 am - 11:30 am

PM - 1:30 - 4:30 pm

ALL - 8:30 - 11:00 and 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Wednesday Classes

Thursday Classes

Friday Classes

Saturday Classes

Wednesday Classes

W11 Ankle Panes Socks (I) Lorilee Beltman AM

Learn to work multiple contrasting colors into your knitting by stranding them vertically, from row to row.  Unlike fair isle, this technique does not constrict the elasticity of the fabric. We will learn how to knit the colors and manage the yarn strands while working a portion of the leg in class.     In class we will be working from the pattern, but soon you’ll be making up your own. Some class time will be spent on brainstorming other possible designs.    After class, you’ll be able to apply the techniques to other projects- hats, sweaters, socks- anything knit in the round. Once you learn the maneuvers, the execution of the technique is very fun and not difficult.

Supplies:

Project requires 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of a fingering weight sock yarn.  Nothing splitty, please. Suggested yarns: Louet ‘Gems Fingering’; Blue Moon ‘STR lightweight’ (pictured).
Project requires 50 - 36” lengths of fingering weight yarn in contrasting colors.  Use stash yarn.  Or, as pictured here, cut lengths from a skein of self-striping yarn like Noro ‘Silk Garden Sock’. Contrasting variegated yarns also work well for this project.
Needles size US 0 - 2, whichever needle size yields 28 stitches per 4” in stockinette stitch. For working in the round, choose your favorite method you are already comfortable with- DPN’s, two circulars, or one 32- 40” long circular for magic loop knitting.  Instructor uses magic loop, but is prepared for all methods. Blunt-tip tapestry needle.
Ravelry.com pattern download “Ankle Panes Socks”, three sizes / $4.00.  Print for class.

Homework:

Collect materials. Cut 10 lengths of contrasting yarn, each 36” long. Download pattern either from ravelry.com or from the pattern page at city-knitting.com.                 
Make a gauge swatch to be certain you achieve gauge of 28 sts/4” in stockinette stitch in the round with yarn and needle you plan to use in class.
Complete one sock cuff in main color in your chosen size.  Sizes s(m, l).  Work 2 rounds in stockinette. Bring to class on the needles.

W12 Charts Made Simples (B) JC Briar AM

The symbols of a chart take the place of written instructions, telling you what stitches to work. But a good chart does so much more, showing you what the knitted fabric should look like. In this class, you’ll learn to read charts, making sense of their symbols and using them to keep your knitting on track and to minimize mistakes.

Supplies: smooth, light colored, worsted-weight yarn; needles of a size appropriate for your yarn

W15 Color Blending (I) Ruth Lantz AM

Learn to put together an odd number of solid color yarns using several different stitch patterns that will create your own tweed or blended knitted fabric.  It is fun to knit, it’s lush and uses stash! Supplies: Needles, size 10 ½ and 11 Yarn is supplied for you - $2 class fee

W16 Basic Double Knitting (I) Sarah Peasley AM

Double knitting is pure magic. Using one method, a piece worked back and forth opens up as if it had been knit in the round. Using another method, the image created on the front of the fabric will appear in reverse image on the back. Learn both methods to create a small bag and a two-sided coaster, while practicing appropriate cast on, bind off, and chart reading techniques.

Supplies

For bag: 25 grams of sport, dk or worsted weight yarn

For coaster: 25 grams yarn in main color (MC), and 25 grams yarn in contrasting color (CC). Use sport,

dk or worsted weight yarn, but make sure both colors are the same weight.

For both: 7 inch double pointed needles in size appropriate for yarn chosen

Blunt darning needle

Coilless safety pin

Crochet hook size F or G

W31 Convert to Continental (B) Lorilee Beltman PM

New section added - go to F31 to see the description.

W32 Charts Made Essential (I) JC Briar PM

Being able to read charts is only half the story. Take this class and learn to write charts: to visualize written instructions, to convert between flat and in-the-round knitting, and to plan shaping. Use charts to demystify phrases like “at the same time,” “reverse shaping,” and “shape in pattern.”   Supplies: pencil and eraser (graph paper will be provided)

W33 Double Dare (A) Candace Eisner Strick PM

You'll do a double-take when you see what you can do with double knitting, double colors, and double hands! Learn how to create a two-sided fabric with two colors using both hands. After you master stockinette stitch you will continue on, learning several different stitch patterns.    Supplies: 2 ozs each of 2 highly contrasting colors of worsted weight wool, #8 (5mm) circular needle 24" or longer (variegated or self-striping yarn for one of the yarns looks nice)

W34 Fair Isle Hat (I) Martha Gifreda PM

Learn two-color knitting using the classic Fair Isle technique. This skill will open up a whole new world of color pattern possibilities. Homework: Cast on 104 stitches and knit 2 inches of the ribbing of your choice.   Supplies: 2 skeins worsted weight wool, 2 colors (wool is recommended, but not required) 16 inch circular needle in appropriate size 4 or 5 double pointed needles, same size

W35 Tunisian Stitches (B) Ruth Lantz PM

These knitted and crocheted stitches make a beautifully flat, non-curling fabric.  Great for purses or garments.  It takes two rows of knitting or crochet to make a complete stitch.  Explore both techniques and compare the end product – some are very deceiving.   No Home Work!  Bring several yarns that are a variety of sizes with needles and crochet hooks that are a size or two on each side of the recommended size for those particular yarns.

W36 Basic Entrelac (B) Sarah Peasley PM

Take some tilty squares and triangles, add a fancy French name, and you get a totally addicting stitch pattern! Whether they lean to the right or to the left, whether they’re right side up or upside down, you’ll learn all of the building blocks you need to make any Entrelac pattern. Bonus skills: knitting backward and flawless color changes.

Supplies:

50 grams smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn

50 grams smooth, contrasting colored worsted weight yarn

Circular or straight needles, size 4.5 mm (7 U.S.) or size to match yarn

Stitch markers

W37 Increase/Decrease (B) Jill Bigelow Suttell PM

If you only have one increase and 2 decrease methods at your disposal, then this is the class for you. A make one increase and knit 2 together decrease are not ideal for every situation. In addition to practicing several different ways to increase and decrease, you’ll learn which are most appropriate for specific applications.

Supplies: Worsted weight yarn odds and ends, needles in sizes 7, 8 or 9.

W38 Designing for Print Publication (I) Mary Beth Temple PM

This class is about the business of being a professional designer. Even if you sell only one design you are a professional – you are doing your art for money rather than for love. And even if you don’t want to do this full time, the more business-like you are throughout the entire process of getting a design into publication, the happier your editors will be (and then the more likely to want to work with you again and again) and the happier you will be because you will have a clear-eyed set of expectations about what will and won’t happen. For this class, students should be prepared to focus on one design, and we will go through the submission process step by step. By the end of the class, each student should have a to-do list to make their first submission.

Supplies: Pen and paper

W39 Knitting Every Which Way 101 (I) Anna Walden PM

Ready to break out of the structured knitting mold and try something new?  This class will teach you one style of free form knitting.  We will cover the basics of this technique, starting with a few stitches and adding on randomly until you have built a piece that can be shaped into an element and joined with other elements to make a garment.  This is a wonderful use for those gorgeous novelty yarns you can’t help collecting or can be done in a more sedate style with smooth yarns.  The goal is to free up the artist in you to focus on color and texture first and structure second.

W51 Color Twinded Knitted Mitts (I) Beth Brown-Reinsel ALL

Students will learn color techniques of tvåändsstickning, or twined knitting, a technique developed in Sweden in the 1600s, which creates a denser, warmer fabric structure than stranded knitting.  By knitting one of a pair of Fingerless Mittens, the student will gain knowledge and experience in the basics of twined knitting, while advancing to the three main two-color techniques. Homework: The two yarns must be wound as one center-pull :  wind one color, then wind the second color on top of the first so you have access to the inner yarn in the center and the outer yarn).

Supplies:

• Yarn- No single ply yarns!  2 oz light colored worsted weight yarn in each of two colors (must be wound as ONE center-pull ball
• Needles: One set of 7" long (approximately) double pointed needles, size 6 (4mm)
• Extras: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn for holding stitches, magnetic board or sticky notes for keeping one's place on the chart.

W52 Baby Surprise Jacket (B) Amy Detjen ALL

When you knit this classic Elizabeth Zimmerman sweater, you think you’re knitting a potato chip. However, work 2 little seams and voila! One surprised knitter and a snug baby. In this class, we’ll use worsted weight yarn to knit a miniature BSJ (about 6 inches across) so that we can learn the pattern, play with increases, decreases, edge stitches and stripes, “work” shoulder seams, and apply I-cord. Both the original BSJ pattern and the mini-BSJ pattern are included with class fee.

Supplies:

• One ball (200 or so yards) of sport weight yarn, and odd bits of other yarns if you want to add stripes (optional)
• 24” circular need (you can use straight, if you prefer) in size appropriate for your yarn (US 5 – 6, depending on if you knit loosely or tightly)
• Set of double point needles (dpn) in same size (optional)
• Sewing up needle

W54 Nuno Felted Scarf  (B) Judy Pascale ALL

In this class you will be using a Japanese art form to create a featherweight, contemporary Nuno Felted Scarf that drapes beautifully.  Using a piece of silk and coaxing the fibers to easily penetrate, the result is a highly textured light weight accessory scarf. You will also learn to accent this scarf using hand dyed silk hankies and or contrasting colors to enhance your personal scarf.  We will finish the class learning different ways of wearing these scarfs using closures and techniques that have the scarf staying in that position the entire time you wear them. 

Material Fee: $20 for silk

Supplies:

• Roving

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Thursday Classes

T12 Hook Hocus-Pocus (B) JC Briar AM

Maybe you’ve used a crochet hook to bind off, or to pick up a dropped stitch. But have you used one to join pieces together? To cast on provisionally? Or to stabilize an edge and provide a place from which to pick up stitches? Learn all of these techniques, plus embellishment, decorative edgings, and more. Supplies: smooth, plain, light colored, worsted-weight yarn in two or three colors; needles of a size appropriate for your yarn; crochet hook roughly US size G (4mm)

Homework: Using yarn of a single color, make three swatches as follows: Cast on 20 sts. Knit in stockinette for 4" (10 cm). Do not bind off. Cut yarn, leaving a 24" (60 cm) tail.

T13 Looking Glass Knitting (I) Amy Detjen AM

Learn to knit-back-backwards and purl-back-backwards to impress your friends and neighbors. More
than just a parlor trick, these techniques can make small bits of back-and-forth knitting much more fun; it's especially useful for working Entrelac, short rows, bobbles, and tiny knitted pieces. Instead of "K10, turn, P10, turn" you'll know how to "K10, knit-back-backward 10", and so on - no purling required to create Stockinette stitch while knitting flat.

Supplies: One ball of yarn that knits at 4 or 5 sts to the inch, needles in a size appropriate for your yarn (circ or straight).

T15 Double your Options (I) Judy Pascale AM

This Reversible Cable project class allows you to utilize a uniquely handcrafted "detachable" leather piece to serve as an artistic leather belt buckle and/or the closure tab of a stylish handbag.  The belt and handbag are knitted in a Reversible Cable pattern stitch.  This stitch provides both these accessories stability as well as an attractive look from either side. The class sample, while learning the pattern and reversible cable stitches, can be finished to create a perfect mini case suitable for a cell phone or ipod case.  Optional Material Fee: $20.00 Optional Leather Closures are available in black or brown.

Supplies:

Yarn: Sample in class can be any worsted or DK you have left over.

Needles: # 4 or # 5

Cable needle

For Complete Bag

500 yds of DK or light Worsted Weight Wool Yarn or Cotton Classic 5 sts/1 inch

Size # 4 needle or # 5   Your personal tension will decide.  I used a # 4

Cable needle

T16 Basic Fair Isle (I) Sarah Peasley AM

The Fair Isle technique has been around for centuries, but can be learned in a matter of hours. Learn to read charts like a pro. Practice knitting in the round with two colors while trapping those pesky floats. Discover the beauty of corrugated ribbing. Hold your breath while you cut open a crocheted steek. There’s nothing to it – what are you waiting for?

Supplies

Basics from list

50 grams smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn

50 grams smooth, contrasting colored worsted weight yarn

16” circular needle, size 4.5 mm (7 U.S.) or size to match yarn

Crochet hook size 2.75 (C U.S.)

6 Stitch markers

Sharp scissors

Homework: Swatch #1: With CC, cast on 15 stitches. Work stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) for 3 inches. Bind off. Swatch #2: With MC, cast on 72 stitches. Do not bind off. Do not cut yarn.

T18 Decoding Cables (I) Jill Bigelow Suttell AM

Adding a cable instantly brings a new dimension to your project. Decoding the terms and reading the charts often leave knitters uneasy about attempting them. Cables are simple once you uncover the mystery. In this class, we will try different types of cables, learn to interpret all those abbreviations and read a chart.

Supplies: Worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn odds and ends, needles in size 7, 8, or 9.

T19 Independent Pattern Publishing (I) Mary Beth Temple AM

Technological advances have created opportunities for independent designers that we couldn’t even dream of ten years ago-- do you really need to work with traditional publishers any more? Maybe not – but you do need to put some serious thought as well as hard work into your pattern business if you want to earn money at it. It IS hard work – you wear a lot of hats when you publish your own work, from photographer to editor to layout person. But you also retain creative and legal control over your designs, which can be gratifying from both an artistic and financial standpoint. Learn how to get your first pattern ready to launch. We will cover all of the variables for producing single patterns – including production, pricing, online distribution and promotion, and wholesale opportunities for print products.

T20 Knitting Every Which Way Upper Division (I) Anna Walden AM

This class will present some more complex and sophisticated applications of the Knitting Every Which Way freeform techniques.  You will use some of your favorite stitch patterns, beads, different yarns and embellishments to expand the possibilities of unstructured knitting.   You will learn how to apply the Knitting Every Which Way technique to the edges of garments in addition to building elements.

T30 Lace Basics (I) JC Briar PM

Yarn overs matched with decreases: that’s all lace is. But an incredible variety of lace patterns stems from the way a handful of decrease stitches are placed in relation to their matching yarn overs. Learn how to work these decreases, how to knit into a yarn over, and how to keep track of your lace knitting while working some sample swatches. Pick up tips for choosing appropriate yarn and needles, handling mistakes, and blocking. Supplies: smooth, plain, light colored, DK-weight yarn; US size 7 (4.5mm) needles; stitch markers

T31 Socks on Circs (I) Amy Detjen PM

Learn how to knit socks using either 2-24” circular needles, or 1 40 – 60” circular needle (AKA Magic Loop).  These techniques work on socks from the top down, or from the toe up.  You can work one sock at a time, or work them simultaneously.  These techniques also work for sleeves and any other type of tubular knitting.

Supplies:

• 2 balls of matching sock yarn

• Circular needles (2 – 24 inch or 1 40 – 60 inch) in size appropriate for your yarn

T32 Fascinating Mosaics (B) Debra M Lee PM

If you can slip a stitch, you can master mosaic knitting -- a fascinating color knitting technique that is created by knitting and slipping stitches using the same color yarn across two consecutive rows. We'll knit a simple geometric pattern from a mosaic chart and then explore more involved designs.

Supplies: Smooth, solid, contrasting color yarns of the same weight (preferably medium/worsted weight), corresponding knitting needles, and open/split-ring stitch markers.

T33 Incredible Increases; Dramatic Decreases (B) Judy Pascale PM

This class takes the mystery out of which decrease or increase to use by creating an “answer all” sampler of numerous techniques.  The advantages and appropriate appearance of each variation are worked and discussed.

 An added bonus will be using a creative technique to add stitches that will allow you to work the front button and buttonhole bands at the same time as your body of work.  With this technique you can create a perfect button hole to enhance your jacket or cardigan in the exact desired location.     

Culminate this class by learning to use different weights of yarn within the same garment by creatively increasing or decreasing in an invisible method.

Supply List

• Worsted weight yarn

• Needles # 8 or recommended on label

Homework

Cast On 20 stitches and work in garter for 2 rows.  Work 4 more rows in stockinette stitch.  Leave remaining skein attached to live stitches.  Finish on right side row.

T34 Basic Intarsia (B) Sarah Peasely PM

Intarsia knitting creates a single layer of multi-colored fabric, as in a Christmas stocking with a jolly Santa motif, or a vertically striped sweater. Learn a variety of tricks to keep your Intarsia knitting on track and (mostly) tangle free, including preparing your materials, reading a chart, weaving in ends, and mastering duplicate stitch.

Supplies

Basics from list

50 grams of smooth, worsted weight yarn (main color)

10 yards each of four contrasting colors of smooth, worsted weight yarn

Circular or straight needles, size 4.5 mm (7 U.S.) or size to match yarn

Sharp darning needle

Blunt darning needle

Scissors

Homework

Cast on 25 stitches with main color yarn. Rows 1-6: Knit. Row 7: Purl. Row 8: Knit. Row 9: Purl. Do not

bind off. Do not cut yarn.

T36 Slipped Stitch Mania (B) Jill Bigelow Suttell PM

Slipped stitch patterns allow you to create the look of two color knitting while only using one color per row, or add texture using only one color. Mosaic knitting (a form of slipped stich)  brings to mind beautiful Native American fiber art. No stranding, bobbins or changing color within the row. In this class we will explore different patterns as well as the do's and don'ts of this method of knitting, all while creating a cute little project bag! Supplies: 100 yards each of 2 colors of worsted weight wool, 3 sets of needles in size 6 or 7 US.

T37 Broomstick Lace Basics (B) Mary Beth Temple PM

Join me as we explore the basics of the broomstick lace technique, including beginning, increasing, decreasing, and incorporating other stitches. Broomstick lace is one of the extended techniques that both crocheters and knitters seem to be more and more interested in, and it's a lot more versatile than most people suspect.

T38 The Knitters Canvas (I) Anna Walden PM

Working with yarn as paint rather than starting with a structured garment with an overall design requires a canvas.  In this class we will develop some basic shapes that work well for filling in with varying techniques for montage style knitting.  We will learn about some basic fitting techniques that can be applied to basically geometric shapes and help each student develop a canvas fit to your own dimensions and provide the best opportunity for using the techniques you are interested in including in your unique project. 

T39 Nicky Epstein’s Knitting Block Party (I) with Nicky Epstein PM
Nicky will teach a variety of unique designs you can make with knitted blocks from her blockbuster block book. You will need to knit some blocks in advance for the class. The more blocks you bring, the more pieces you can make in class….animals, bags, toys, mitts, hats and much more! Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Registration necessary, class size limited to 25.

Supplies: Bring leftover yarn from blocks you make, if any, and small amounts of embellishment yarns with corresponding needle sizes.

Homework: Make at least 2 blocks 10” x 10” in garter, stockinette , seed basket weave stitch. If you want to make 4 blocks of your favorite stitch pattern and color in a 10” x 10” block, you will be able to make a designer capelette.

T51 Felted Loafer Slippers (B) Lorilee Beltman ALL

These sturdy slippers are real people-pleasers. You’ll be making them for all your loved ones. The double sole makes them long-wearing, and the shaping of the heel keeps them on comfortably. They are knit entirely seamlessly in the round using great techniques such as Judy’s Magic Cast On and Magic Loop Knitting. In class we will learn all the skills to make the Felted Loafer Slippers: JMCO, magic loop knitting, short row shaping, a clever technique for joining the soles, and felting tricks. Many students will complete one full sized adult slipper in class.This is the instructor’s best-selling pattern. Many tips and tricks are worked into the class.

Supplies:

Project requires 500 grams/550 yards of bulky wool that felts. If making a contrasting sole, get 300 grams of sole color and 200 grams of top color. Suggested yarns, do not mix brands: Nashua ‘Creative Focus Chunky’, Ironstone ‘Harmony’, Brown Sheep ‘Lamb’s Pride Bulky’, Crystal Palace Yarns ‘Iceland’.

• One 50- 60” long circular knitting needle size S 15 - US 17. Only very loose knitters can use the US 15; most need a US 17. Shop early for the hard-to-find needle. Ask your yarn shop for an Skacel Addi Natura 60” long US 15 or 17, or a less expensive Crystal Palace plastic Daisy needle.

• purchase and print the “Felted Loafer Slipper” pattern ($6) http://www.city-knitting.com/products/ or from ravelry.com. If unable to download, e-mail instructor so she can bring a paper copy along for you.

T53 Intro to Strickmuster Twisted Stitch Patterns of Austria (A) Candace Eisner Strick ALL

These gorgeous patterns wind and twist around each other in complicated and intricate designs, but actually are done using only two basic techniques without the use of a cable needle. We will sample some of the 174 charming patterns from Maria Erlbacher's book, "Strickmuster", and learn how to read the unique and logical charts. Please note: You must be a “conventional” knitter (ie: knit by taking the stitches off the left hand needle and transferring them to the right hand needle) in order for this technique to work correctly.

Supplies: about 2 ounces of smooth textured, light colored wool yarn in worsted weight. Please note: yarns with nubs, slubs, fuzz, or thick and thin is not appropriate, nor will variegated yarns show the pattern well--some good brands are Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride, Cascade 220) and appropriately sized double pointed needles, about one dozen stitch markers. Having the correct yarn to learn with is very important!

T54 Finishing (B) Martha Gifreda ALL

Learn to give your knitting the finish you (and it) deserve. We'll cover blocking, weaving in ends, seams, edging and more. Students are encouraged to bring in their own projects to finish so we can be sure to focus on the specific techniques each student needs. Supplies: Either, your own needs-to-be-finished project Or, two stockinette swatches and two garter stitch swatches, each 4 inches square

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Friday Classes

F10 Cankle Socks (I) Lorilee Beltman AM

“Cankles” are defined in the Urban Dictionary as “The area in affected female legs where the calf meets the foot in an abrupt, non-tapering terminus; medical cause: adipose tissue surrounding the soleus tendon, probably congenital, worsened by weight gain and improved in appearance only by boots. From the English ‘calf’ meaning wide portion of the lower leg, and ‘ankle’ meaning slender joint of leg with foot.”

If you’ve got them, you may have trouble with the fit of many sock patterns. And, well, that’s just not fair! Don’t be left out of the fun of knitting your own socks. In class we will customize your own “plain vanilla” sock recipe, a toe-up number with specific features designed to improve your comfort. Some class time will be spent on brainstorming other possibilities for adapting existing patterns.

Supplies:

• Fingering weight wool or blend in an easy-to-see color. No splitty yarns. For class, bring small amounts- you may learn on a 25 gram bit from your stash.

• US 0- 2, whichever needle size yields 30 – 32 stitches per 4” in stockinette stitch. For working

in the round, choose your favorite method you are already comfortable with- DPN’s, two circulars, or one 32- 40” long circular for magic loop knitting. Instructor uses magic loop but is comfortable with any method.

• blunt-tip tapestry needle

• measuring tape and calculator

• adaptable “plain vanilla socks for cankles” pattern is included in the handout and is provided by instructor free to students

Homework:  

• Make a gauge swatch to achieve gauge of 30-32 sts/4” in stockinette stitch in the round with

yarn and needle you plan to use in class.

• Based on your foot circumference, cast on 64 sts regular) or 72 sts (wide). Join to work in the

round. Work the first round in purl stitch. Work 10 more rounds in knit stitch. Then work a 3” long flap back and forth on 32 (reg) or 36 (wide) sts only thus: Row 1 (RS): [slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k

1] to end. Row 2 (WS): sl 1 pw wyif, p 31 or 35 to end. Repeat these two rows until flap measures 3”

long.

F11 Multi-directional Scarves (B) JC Briar AM

Turn variegated yarn into striking scarves with this new form of multi-directional knitting. Learn to form triangles and diamonds from a continuous length of yarn, and to join them together without sewing any seams or picking up any stitches. Supplies: handpainted, self-striping, or other variegated yarn, DK weight or heavier; needles of a size appropriate for your yarn; stitch markers

 F13 Kumihimo: Japanese Braiding (B) Candace Eisner Strick AM

Begin your adventure in this beautiful fiber tradition by making a bracelet with one of the easier braiding techniques. Kumihimo discs will be provided for you to use. Once you learn the possibilities, you will never want to stop! Supplies: Sewing thread. Class fee: $10 for braiding materials and bracelet clasp

F14 Conquering the Edge (B) Ruth Lantz AM

End your rows with panache.  Solve some stringy, loose, selvedge edge problems.  Add edge stitch manipulations to your knitting repertoire – don’t just end the row.

End your rows with panache.  Solve some stringy, loose, selvedge edge problems.  Add edge stitch manipulations to your knitting repertoire – don’t just end the row.  Supplies: Homework swatches, more of the yarn used in swatches, a large eyed darning needle.

Homework:

Choose a non-nubby cotton or cotton/rayon yarn such as Tahki's Cotton Classic or Berroco's Cotton Twist or other similar yarn and appropriate needles for yarn.

Swatch 1 is 20 Stitches by 20 rows of Stockinette st.  Cast off sample. Leave a 30" tail.

Swatch 2: Cast on 20 stitches. Row 1 is K1, P1, K 18. And Row 2 is P18,K1, P1.  Repeat these two rows until swatch is 6 inches long. Cast off.  Leave a 40" tail.

F15 Armhole Success (I) Judy Pascale AM

Learn to modify pattern instructions for better fitting armholes and neat shoulder seams.  Revise pattern instructions to begin fitted sleeves at the armhole and then work to cuff.  This process assures desired sleeve length and avoids the common difficulty of matching armhole shaping with sleeve shaping.  Cuff to armhole shaping will also be covered along with a demonstration of sewing the cap to the top of the sleeve with a professional finish.

Supplies:

Do not use a yarn that is too dark, variegated or has texture.  Learning techniques will be difficult. Worsted (5 sts/1") or heavy worsted (4 – 4 ½ sts/1") are good weights to see techniques. Use recommended size on yarn label.

Homework:  Cast on 18 stitches and work in knit one, purl one rib pattern for 5 rows.  Work stockinette stitch for 4 rows.  Leave yarn attached with stitches still on the needle.  Make three.

F16 Cut and Paste (B) Sarah Peasley AM

Does the very thought of Kitchener Stitch make you queasy? Get over it! Practice grafting a variety of stitch patterns, then apply what you’ve learned by working a simple but elegant hem, sewing a flawless seam, and discovering ways to modify your knitting without tearing the whole thing out. Sleeves too long? Wish you’d started with garter stitch instead of ribbing? Hate the colors in that band of Fair Isle? Cut out the bad, and graft in the good!

Supplies:

50 grams smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn

50 grams smooth, contrasting colored worsted weight yarn

7” double-pointed needles, size 4.5 mm (7 U.S.) or size to match yarn

Blunt darning needle

Stitch holders (for swatches)

Scissors

Homework:

Swatches 1-2: Cast on 20 sts. Rows 1-4: Knit. Row 5: Purl. Row 6: Knit. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until 3" from beginning (end after a knit row). Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail.

Swatch 3: Cast on 20 sts. Knit (garter stitch) for 10 rows. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail.

Swatch 4: Cast on 20 sts. Knit (garter stitch) for 11 rows. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail.

Swatch 5: Cast on 20 sts. Row 1: *K1, p1; repeat from* to end of row. Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 2" from beginning. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail.

Swatch 6: Cast on 20 sts. Row 1: *P1, k1; repeat from* to end of row. Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 2" from beginning. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving an 8" tail.

Swatch 7: Cast on 10 sts. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Purl. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 two more times (six rows stockinette stitch). Purl 2 rows. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 two more times.

F17 Beaded Scarf (B) Tracey Schuh AM

Knit a beaded scarf using our famous Tiny Toes yarn and beautiful glass beads.  This is a new pattern - so be the first in your area to have it.

Supplies:

Size 5 or 6 knitting needles - either straight or circular

F21 The Psychology of Color (B) Anna Walden AM

Stuck in a rut or afraid to try new color combinations?  This class will expand your boundaries in color work.  This is not another color theory class, in fact we are going to throw theory out the window and instead look at how colors effect us psychologically, give some thought to why we are drawn to particular colors and have some fun playing with ways to get out of the color box.

F22 Nicky Epstein’s Knitting Block Party (I) with Nicky Epstein AM
Nicky will teach a variety of unique designs you can make with knitted blocks from her blockbuster block book. You will need to knit some blocks in advance for the class. The more blocks you bring, the more pieces you can make in class….animals, bags, toys, mitts, hats and much more! Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Registration necessary, class size limited to 25.

Supplies: Bring leftover yarn from blocks you make, if any, and small amounts of embellishment yarns with corresponding needle sizes.

Homework: Make at least 2 blocks 10” x 10” in garter, stockinette , seed basket weave stitch. If you want to make 4 blocks of your favorite stitch pattern and color in a 10” x 10” block, you will be able to make a designer capelette.

F23 Knitting Ergonomics: Avoiding Aches and Pains (B) Dana Root AM

Can ergonomics make knitting painfree and more enjoyable?  Dana Root, an ergonomist, will share her passion for ergonomics and love of knitting while the knitter will learn: Why the body is at risk for knitting discomfort, knitting methods that may cause soreness, and solutions for reducing knitting discomfort.

Supplies: Pen and paper if you want to take notes

Homework: Bring a WIP

F31 Convert to Continental (B) Lorilee Beltman PM This class is filled -new section added Wednesday afternoon - register for W31

When you learn Lorilee’s brand of continental knitting, you will minimize your hand motions for a more

comfortable, and perhaps even speedier way to accomplish your knitting. Learn that each finger has a job to do, and begin to retrain those fingers. Gain an understanding of exactly what motions have a bearing on the stitch gauge. (It may not be what you think!) Learn how to create even knitting by sizing your knits and purls equally. Learn how your choice of tools affects your outcome. During the first hour we focus on the knit stitch. During the second, we learn purl and ribbing. During the last hour we learn other maneuvers while Lorilee makes certain each student gets individual attention. Lorilee teaches this differently from other instructors. Even if you already knit continentally, but have some difficulties, Lorilee would love to help you find a way that works best for you and your hands.

Supplies:

Variegated multi-ply wool yarn in a worsted to aran weight (100 grams = between 150 - 220

yards). No splitty, fuzzy, or loopy yarns.

• 24” to 40” long circular knitting needle size US 6 - US 7 (4.0 mm - 4.5 mm). Yes, you must use a

circular needle. Wood is acceptable, but a slippery steel needle is preferred.

Homework:

Cast on 24 stitches. If new to knitting, learn the long tail cast on from a knitting reference book,

or learn from my video online. Go to youtube.com. Type “L2Belt” (no spaces) into the

search bar. From the list, choose “Lorilee’s Long Tail Cast On Tutorial.”

• Knit four rows regular. If unable to knit by another method, ask a friend to knit these rows

for you, or, if stuck, arrive to class fifteen minutes early for help from the teacher or a

classmate.

F32 Disaster Recovery (B) JC Briar PM

Mistakes happen. Fortunately, knitters have an array of techniques for dealing with mistakes. Learn when and how to tink, drop, and frog. See how duplicate stitch can cover over goofs in colorwork. And pick up tips for avoiding mistakes in the first place. Supplies: smooth, light colored, worsted-weight yarn; needles of a size appropriate to your yarn, and spare double-point or circular needles 1 or 2 sizes smaller; crochet hook; waste yarn Homework: Cast on 20 sts. Knit in stockinette stitch for 4" (10 cm). Do not bind off.

F33 Double Knitting (I) Amy Detjen PM

Learn the basics of Double Knitting, including casting on, increasing, decreasing , and binding off.  We’ll practice both Open Edge stitches and Closed Edge stitches, and discuss when to use each.  I’ll demonstrate both methods of working DK (both sides in one pass, and 2 passes per row).  If you don’t know what that last sentence means, take the class and learn about your options!

Supplies:

Two balls of yarn (a light and a dark) and 24 inch circular needle (or straight needles) in size appropriate for your yarn.

F34 10 Things Your Mother Never Taught You (B) Candace Eisner Strick PM

Are you still doing the cast on, decreasing and other techniques that your mother taught you umpteen years ago? No matter how long you’ve been knitting, you can still refine your techniques to make your knitting look neater and more professional.  We will cover 10 techniques that will take you through the millennium:  cable edge cast on, 1 row buttonhole, how to rip, picking up stitches neatly, the best increases and decreases and where to use them, delayed bind off, grafting, 3 needle bind off, sewing a seam, and a provisional cast-on.  Supplies: 2 ounces any weight yarn Appropriately sized needles One set dpns in same size

F35 X's and O's (I) Ruth Lantz PM

Adding lace throughout your cables balances the density of a fabric.  One contracts while the other spreads.  Learn the secrets of knitting them together, how to read charts and understand different yarn overs.

No Home Work!  Bring to class 2 or 3 yarns of worsted weight yarns and needles that are recommended for this weight yarn.

F36 From Shapely Shawlette to Full Shawl (I) Judy Pascale PM

Altered design techniques are employed to maintain all the wonderful features of the Shapely Shawlette including the hugging neckline and graceful drape but now in a full size shawl. In this class you will learn the hugging neckline while creating 2 mini samples using the lace and garter rows that will transform two Shapely Shawlette patterns into full Shawls.

Supplies:

Skein of fingering weight yarn.

Size # 9 & # 8 needles either 24” circular or straight

Markers to identify center stitch

F37 Downside Up Socks (B) Sarah Peasley PM

F38 Stripping without a Pole (I)Jill Bigelow Suttell PM

Working in blocks and strips is a great way to add color and texture to your projects but it leads to a lot of pieces to sew. In this class we will explore several different techniques to knit pieces onto one another. Join vertical strips to vertical strips, vertical to horizontal; even work from a vertical and horizontal piece at the same time. Seams are a thing of the past! Homework: Cast on 30 sts using long tail cast on. Work stockinette stitch for 2 inches. On the last knit row, knit 3, knit 2 together across row. Do not bind off.

Supplies: Worsted weight yarn in 3 to 5 colors, needles (preferably double point) #7, 8 or 9.

F39 Tunisian Crochet Basics (B) Mary Beth Temple PM
Join me as we explore the basics of the Tunisian technique, including Tunisian Simple Stitch, Tunisian Knit and Purl, increasing, decreasing, and incorporating other crochet stitches. Tunisian crochet one of the extended techniques that both crocheters and knitters seem to be more and more interested in, and it is turning up in many new books and magazines.

Supplies: Two colors of smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn, appropriate Tunisian crochet hooks.

F41 Building Blocks (B) Anna Walden PM

Mitered squares can be an exciting option for  adding color and textural interest to your knitting.  They can be added as an embellishment or an element in montage style knitting.  This class will provide lots of examples of knitting garments with multiple elements, ideas for incorporating mitered squares and some basic principles for using different elements in the same garment.  Students will learn to knit  basic mitered squares and triangles, joining to other elements as squares or as diamonds, computing gauge between squares and other knit stitches.

F51 Latvian Fingerless Mitts (I) Beth Brown-Reinsel ALL

Knit one of a pair of fingerless mitts to learn the following techniques applicable to mitten cuffs, sock tops or sleeves: a scalloped cuff, the herringbone braid and subtle variations of the half-braid. Work a choice of two-, three-, or four-color traditional motifs as well as the gussetless thumb and a picot edge at the end. Supplies:

• 2 oz. each of 5 colors of sport or DK yarn. (Choose a solid-colored, smooth textured, crisp yarn for best results)  If you have a large hand, you can  work with worsted weight yarn and 4.0 mm needles.
• One set of  3.5 mm double pointed needles.  If you are proficient in the magic loop or working with two circs, bring the appropriate needles.
• Tapestry needle and st markers, sticky notes or magnetic board to aid in reading the text or chart.

F53 Sweater Fitting Basics (A) Debra Lee ALL

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Saturday Classes

S11 Entrelac Basics (I) JC Briar AM

Entrelac fabric looks like strips of knitting woven over and under each other, but it’s really formed of individually-knit diamonds. No sewing is required: you join the diamonds together as you knit them. In this class, you’ll learn to form the basic units of entrelac: base triangles, side triangles, left- and right-leaning diamonds, and top triangles. You’ll also pick up tricks like knitting back backwards, and methods for sizing and shaping entrelac fabric.

Supplies: yarn in two or more contrasting colors or textures; needles of a size appropriate for your yarn

S12 Norwegian Purl (I) Beth Brown-Reinsel AM

The Norwegian Purl, a variation of the conventional Continental purl, is noted for its superior tension control, and ease of execution.  The yarn always stays behind the work, making ribbing a breeze and two-color textured knitting a pleasure.  A swatch will be knitted in class to practice this technique and its applications. Supplies

Two contrasting colors of the same weight yarn, either sport or worsted weight.

A pair of appropriately sized circular or short straight needles. (Example: Size 4.5 mm or 5 mm for
worsted yarn, size 3.75 mm or 4 mm for sport yarn.)

S13 Incredible Knitted Cords (B) Debra M. Lee AM

A knitted cord can be a finished edge made as you knit a piece, a bind-off technique or an embellishment. Learn four easy ways to create a knitted cord. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll want to incorporate it into your knitting projects.   Homework:  Using medium/worsted weight yarn and corresponding size circular knitting needles, CO 25 stitches. Row 1: knit. Row 2: purl. Repeat rows 1 and 2 for four inches and end on a wrong-side row. Leave stitches on knitting needles - do not bind off stitches.

Supplies: Smooth, solid color yarn in several contrasting colors with corresponding circular needles, double-pointed needles 1-2 sizes smaller than above needles, yarn needle, split-ring stitch markers, and scissors.

S14 Beaded Scarf (B) Judy Pascale AM

This no pre-stringing class develops a unique fashion accessory-"THE BEADED SCARF."  In addition to viewing completed scarfs modeled in a variety of ways, you will knit critical segments of a mini version of the provided entire patterns.   The Beaded Vine Lace and an Eyelet Scarf pattern while attractive on their own, is enhanced when blended into one.  All the samples will be available to learn the braided technique worn at the neck.  Supplies: 1/4 skein of SOLID color fingering weight yarn for class sample   Needles size 5 & 6 either 24" circular or straight  Susan Bates # 9 / 1.25 mm Steel Crochet Hook.

Crochet Hook & Beads

Judy will bring crochet hooks to purchase for $3.00.  They are a small hook and sometimes not easy to find.  Susan Bates seems to work the best.

Judy will bring a nice selection of size 6/0 Miyuki beads for your samples.  Participants will get a chance to try different beads on their test swatch/gauge learning samples.

S17 Left to Right (I) Jill Bigelow Suttell AM

Lots of classes will teach you to knit ‘backwards’. In this class, we will go further. Not only will you learn to knit left to right but, also, purl, work in the round, increase, decrease and even cable.

Supplies: 2 balls (about 100 yards each) of light colored, worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn, 16” circular size 8 needles and double pointed needles in size 8, cable needle.

S18 Building Blocks II (I) Anna Walden AM

This class goes beyond the basic mitered square to double and 3/4 squares.  We will learn how to join pieces into larger square units and how to plan a garment that can be built from these squares.  We will talk about strategies for incorporating color and different yarns and how use of color creates different moods and effects in the finished garment.

S31 All Thumbs (B) JC Briar PM

Mittens are great portable projects. Since they don’t require much yarn, they’re also great stash-busters. The only tricky part is the thumbs. Learn a handful of thumb options in this class, from the simple to the anatomically correct. Supplies: smooth, light colored, worsted-weight yarn, preferably wool; two circulars or a set of dpns, sized appropriately for your yarn and your style of knitting; a short length of scrap yarn in a contrasting color; stitch markers

S32 Introduction to Swedish Twined Knitting (I) Beth Brown-Reinsel PM

Curious about the 400 year-old Swedish technique of Twined Knitting?  In this three hour class, knit one of a pair of wristers while learning a traditional cast-on, twined knitting, twined purling, and patterning (the "O" stitch, the Crook stitch).   Learn how to read charts and manage your yarns so that untwisting becomes a cinch! Supplies: One skein of worsted weight wool yarn, preferably light colored.  The skein must be wound as a center-pull ball because you will be working with both ends.  No single ply yarn

• One set of size 6 or 7 (4 or 4.5 mm) double pointed needles or two circulars of any length.
• Stitch markers, sticky notes or a magnetic board to keep one's place on the chart.

S33 Shadow Knitting (I) Debra M Lee PM

Look at shadow knitting one way, it’s all stripes. Look at it another way, you see images in the “shadows”. Shadow knitting uses one yarn across the row at a time in a combination of knit and purl stitches. Learn this easy technique by making a multi-color sample in class. Supplies: Smooth, solid color yarns of the same weight in at least 2 contrasting colors. Recommend light/sport or medium/worsted weight yarn if possible Corresponding knitting needles and split-ring stitch markers

S37 Romping with Ruffles (I) Anna Walden PM

Ruffles can add design and movement to the simplest garment just by adding a few extra stitches! We will cover regular edge ruffles in more than one style as well as “internal ruffles” and “surface ruffles” as ways to bring color and texture anywhere in a garment.

S51 Sassafras Mittens-Modular Knitting (I) Lorilee Beltman ALL

These modular mittens pack visual punch. Each section is knit in the round. The mitten builds on itself with no need for seaming. An unusual thumb construction gives a comfy fit. When the knitting is complete, the mittens are fulled for extra warmth. Together we will make a women’s medium, but we will also learn how to resize this gauge-dependent pattern. In class we will learn all the skills to make the mittens- tidy corners, mirrored decreases, picking up stitches, mirrored lifted increases, fulling the wool by hand. Many students will complete most of the mitten in class, and all will be equipped to finish at home.

Supplies:

Project requires 7 ounces (200 grams) of a wool n bulky weight. Contrast is important in this pattern, so self-striping yarns give the best results. A very fine strand of kid mohair held alongside your wool gives a great halo. If you find a worsted weight striper, meet gauge by carrying a sock yarn along. Some  recommended yarns: Worsted: (add a sock yarn or dk mohair) Berroco ‘Jasper’; Noro ‘Silver Thaw’ or ‘Kureyon’. Bulky: Rowan ‘Colourscape Chunky’ held with one strand of Rowan ‘Kidsilk Haze’ (pictured); Noro ‘Iro’ or ‘Kochoran’; or two contrasting solids such as Nashua ‘Creative Focus Chunky’ • US 8-10, or whichever needle size yields 14- 16 stitches per 4” in stockinette stitch. For working in the round, choose your favorite method you are already comfortable with- five DPN’s, two circulars, or one 32- 40” long circular for magic loop knitting. Instructor likes magic loop., but is happy to teach any method.

• blunt-tip tapestry needle, scissors

• purchase and print the “Sassafras Mittens” pattern ($5) http://www.city-knitting.com/ products/ or from ravelry.com.

Homework:

Learn the long tail cast on from a knitting book, or learn from my video online. Go to

youtube.com. Type “L2Belt” (no spaces) into the search bar. From the list, choose “Lorilee’s Long

Tail Cast On Tutorial.”

• Make a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch to be certain you achieve gauge of 14-16 stitches per 4”

in stockinette stitch with yarn selected. Then with correct needle and chosen yarn, long tail

cast on 16 stitches and work 8 rows in stockinette stitch. Bind off. Bring swatch to class.

S52 Stranding and Steeking (A) Amy Detjen ALL

Launch into 2-color knitting (Fair Isle, Norwegian, Armenian) with an arsenal of tips for knitting with 2 colors (traditionally one color in each hand).  It truly is much easier than it looks.  We’ll do stranded knitting to avoid puckers and tangles and purls (oh my!).  We will knit a sample, and just when it starts looking like something lovely, we’ll cut it apart, practicing the crocheted steek.  This swatch becomes almost worthless when we cut it, but a clever knitter can turn it into a sweater or vest for a bear or a doll.

Supplies:

• 2 balls of  yarn – a light and a dark
• 24 inch circular needles in size appropriate for your yarn

S53 Vivaldi Concerto (I) Candace Eisner Strick ALL

Musicians like to make fun of the prolific composer Vivaldi by saying he wrote 1 concerto 400 times. With this top down template you can make one sweater in a myriad of different styles: bolero, or sweater, you can swing the back, slope the front, add cables, lace, make it long, make it short, lengthen the sleeves, etc. Become the Vivaldi of the knitting world!

Supplies:

• Worsted weight yarn
• appropriately sized needles for sweater body
• double pointed needles for sleeves
• a sweater that you like the fit of either for yourself or for someone else  

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